The Thon Maker Deal is a Win for Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker requested a trade two weeks ago. He wanted out from Milwaukee. Now, Giannis and others have came to his defensive saying ‘He wanted to play more’ and that got twisted. Whatever the case may be, Milwaukee wasn’t having it at all. Maker found himself on the bench for most of the five-game road trip, and before Milwaukee took on Washington, they made a deal with Detroit for Stanley Johnson. Bucks and Pistons are both hoping that a change of scenery will do these former top 10 picks some good.

This is a good move for Jon Horst and company. They received someone who is playing in the NBA and showed enough potential to be drafted in the top 10. Johnson might not get a ton of time with the Bucks, but he is a solid wing defender with some size, length and speed. He could play the three or the small four. He is a slasher by nature with some hops to throw down a dunk here and there. You will not see him fire up threes, although, Johnson will shoot them every now and again. He isn’t that good at making them. Part of me wonders if the Bucks will try to make him better. Regardless, Horst received a decent player back for Thon instead of draft picks and money. That’s very good on him.

As for Maker, I wish him the best of luck. It might take him a few teams and a few years before he reaches his potential. We’ll always have the ‘Playoff Thon’ moments with him. The Game 3 moments against Boston were some of his best ever.